Snowbird has a reputation because the mountain backs it up. It's big, steep, snowy, and built for skiers and riders who want terrain with consequences. It can be one of the best days in the country. It can also be a lot for people who thought Utah skiing meant easy powder laps and pretty scenery.
The mountain's strength is intensity. The tram, the bowls, the steeps, and the Little Cottonwood snow machine all make Snowbird feel serious fast. Advanced skiers and riders can build a full trip around the place without needing much else.
The warning is that Snowbird can overwhelm the wrong group. Weather, visibility, traverses, steepness, and crowd pressure in the canyon all matter. This isn't the gentle Utah recommendation. It's the big one.